Warden Messages

Indications that demonstrations and gatherings may take place in the Khartoum city center area on Wednesday 20, 2006

September 19, 2006

Embassy of the United States of America
Consular Section
Sharia Ali Abdul Latif
Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: 249-183-774701/2/3 outside Sudan
Tel: 0183-774-701/2/3 inside Sudan
Tel: 0183-774-705 inside Sudan (after hours emergencies)
e-mail: KhartoumConsular_DL@state.gov

The Embassy has received indications that demonstrations and gatherings may take place in the Khartoum city center area on Wednesday, 20 September 2006, particularly around Khartoum University, Sudan University (Nilein University), and the main transport terminal near al-Souk al-Arabi. These demonstrations are organized by opposition parties against fuel and commodity price increases. The police remain on high alert and will have an increased presence in these areas. Any attempt at a gathering by potential demonstrators is likely to be dealt with swiftly and will likely involve the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. As the situation remains unpredictable, American citizens are advised to avoid those areas of Khartoum.

Please be aware that there will also be a demonstration tomorrow at 10:00AM in Martyrs Square in Khartoum in reaction to recent statements attributed to the Pope in the international press. The demonstration will reportedly include statements by officials from the Ministry of Religious Orientation.

The United States Embassy also reminds American citizens of continued terrorist threats to U.S. and Western interests. As noted in current and previous Travel Warnings for Sudan, the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where Westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or Western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.

Americans living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to take prudent steps to ensure personal safety. Remain aware of your surroundings, maintain a low profile, carry personal identification, and avoid large crowds or demonstrations. Americans can register with the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov to obtain updated information on travel and security within Sudan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy by calling 0183-774-701/2/3 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Sunday through Thursday. Registration in person is not required.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S.and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through
Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).